Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Carlos Martinez and the reappointments of John Patrick Schirard and Jonathan Hancock to the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC). The FCC is dedicated to overseeing and guiding the activities of the Florida Department of Citrus, conducting a variety of industry programs and regulating the quality standards of citrus grown in Florida.
Carlos Martinez
Martinez, of Orlando, is a procurement manager for The Coca-Cola Company. Previously, he served as a brand supply manager for The Coca-Cola Company from 2000-2009. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida and his master’s degree from St. Leo University. Martinez is a citrus processor who represents District 1 and is appointed to a three-year term.
John Patrick Schirard
Schirard, of Vero Beach, is the president of GEM Indian River Select, which has holdings in Lake, Brevard, Polk and Indian River Counties. He is a fourth-generation Florida citrus grower. He earned his bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics from the University of Florida. Schirard is a citrus grower who represents District 1 and is appointed to a three-year term.
Jonathan Hancock
Hancock, of Sebring, is the president and owner of Hancock Citrus, Inc. He has served on the Florida Citrus Commission since 2014 and previously served on the Highlands County School Board from 1996 until 2012. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida. Hancock is a citrus grower who represents District 2 and is appointed to a three-year term.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
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